Stephen Merchant now conducts his own consultancy business, having completed almost 40 years of service with the Australian Government in August 2015.  He is a Director of the Data to Decisions Collaborative Research Centre, which is developing the next generation of data analytics to support decision making in the national security sector.

During the latter part of his career in government, Steve held a variety of senior appointments in the Australian Intelligence Community and acted as Secretary of the Department of Defence on numerous occasions.  His earlier career provided extensive experience in defence strategy, international policy and capability development. 

Steve has extensive leadership experience, including in the development of organisational strategy and the design and implementation of major cultural change programs.  He has many years of experience as a member of the audit committees in both the Defence and Foreign Affairs portfolios.  He also has extensive international experience, particularly with the intelligence communities of our major allies.

Steve was awarded the Australian Government Public Service Medal in 2010, and in 2015 received the United States Intelligence Community Seal Medallion.